Usually, the court requires 30 days notice to the other parent with joint custody. But it may take longer to make an agreement with the other parent or get a court order. It is a good idea to give notice 90 days before the move, or as soon as possible.

If you and the other parent can make an agreement about the move and any changes to visitation that may be needed, put your agreement in writing and file it with the court.

If you cannot make an agreement about the move, you must ask for a court hearing before you move. If you do not ask for a hearing, the court might punish you. You must do this even if the other parent does not see the child.

Important! Ask the clerk of your court what the notice rules are for this situation. If you do not give proper notice, the court may decide to give custody to the other parent.

Children (who are at least 7 years old) can testify in court, but usually they do not. Most experts believe it is not good for the child. You can ask the judge to talk to your child in private. The court may say yes, especially if the child is over 14. You cannot be there when the judge talks to the child, but you can ask your lawyer to be there.

The judge will consider what the child says, and why the child wants to be with one parent, especially if the child is at least 14 years old. But the judge must consider other factors, too. See: Can my child testify at the custody hearing?